Victim ID'ed in Massena mutilation attack

MASSENA, N.Y. -- Police have identified the victim of a vicious mutilation attack as Andrew Lesperance, 51, of Massena. Police said he was partly disemboweled and also suffered total loss of his right eye, substantial injury to his left eye, and wounds to his stomach and genital area.

A 25-year-old man was charged today in the attack, the Associated Press reported. Harry E. Klages II was charged with first-degree assault in Massena Village Court. He was being held without bail in the St. Lawrence County Jail.

Lesperance was taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care hospital in Burlington, Vt. Police said he survived a first round of surgery and was listed in critical condition.

Massena Police Chief Tim Currier said investigators had not yet determined a motive. "This is kind of unique," Currier said.

Police said Klages was on probation and had a lengthy history of arrests, including an assault with a hammer. Klages was already facing charges related to another stabbing incident in Ogdensburg, police said.

Police say they were called to the Klages' apartment about 6 a.m. The first officer to arrive was met at the door by Klages, who was covered in blood.